Multi-Function Backpack-Vest Device

ABSTRACT

A multi-function backpack-vest that allows for size adjustment so that the backpack-vest may be worn by any user, regardless of size. The backpack-vest has various compartments in which users may place items. Some of these compartments are so designed that body-armor, personal floatation materials or insulation material may be placed within them. Also, the backpack-vest features a compartment in which a laptop may be placed and when housed in said compartment the laptop will be supported on a work platform, which is supported by straps on either side of said platform, connecting the platform to the backpack-vest.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and claims the benefit of the previously filed U.S. provisional patent application, U.S. Application No. 61/049,493, filed on May 1, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to backpacks and vests with various pouches, compartments, accessories and attachment means and comprised of various materials and fabrics to easily perform various functions. The functions of the backpack-vest device are provided by the backpack device as a stand-alone unit and with the backpack device being used in conjunction with various removeably attached accessories and pouches, wherein these removeably attached accessories and pouches are part of the instant invention.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Various backpacks and vests have been developed in the past that attempt to meet the needs of users and accommodate virtually any size. Some backpacks and vests became littered with small individual pockets to carry numerous first aid devices, while others were designed for hunting. Some designs even provided seats that folded out from the unit itself.

While these earlier backpacks and vests met some of the needs of users for their specific functions in the past, still other desirable functions were not met. Hunters, for instance, may benefit by a pack or vest that provides protection from errant shots from other hunters. Also, previous attempts may fail to accommodate any size for a given user (a one size fits all unit). Additionally, hikers and boaters may prefer that they could have a backpack or vest that can provide them with some type of flotation means. Further, it would be nice if a user could choose not to use all possible features offered by the backpack or vest at a given time, to avoid the need to carry unneeded gear and weight. Also, it would be beneficial if a user could have the option to add additional insulation, especially if a user expected to move from a warm climate to a cold one (mountain hikers for instance).

Not to be forgotten is the fact that over time, new devices have been created that these previous attempts could not have anticipated and thus, to accommodate demands for a backpack or vest that may assist users with such devices has never been attempted. For instance, a backpack or vest that may contain a compartment to hold a laptop, that may extend outward and then horizontally support the laptop, thus allowing the user to carry with them a kind of small, portable laptop desk within their backpack or vest.

What is needed is a multi-function backpack or vest apparatus that provides size adjustment, flotation, body-armor protection or additional insulation as well as the ability to carry a type of portable work desk. What is also needed is a backpack or vest that allows the user to pick and choose which features to implement at a given time to save on the carrying of additional gear and weight. The instant invention provides all of this required functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. A multi-functioned backpack-vest device designed to overcome the previously mentioned shortcomings would give users a much more effective means of having one wearable device that provides them flexibility to meet numerous needs. Thus, the several embodiments of the instant invention are illustrated herein.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the previously mentioned shortcomings found in prior art backpacks and vests by providing a multi-function backpack-vest device thus will be adjustable in its sizes so that one unit can be worn by people of any size.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that also optionally provides a wearer the means to carry body armor.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that also optionally provides a wearer the means to carry personal floatation material.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that optionally provides extra insulation.

Moreover it is an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that optionally provides a wearer the means to carry body armor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that optionally provides a wearer the means to support a laptop.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that provides a wearer the means to remove parts of said device when the user so chooses, giving the user the ability to not carry nonessential gear and weight.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that is durable.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that is comfortable for a wearer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a front pack unit, wherein said front pack unit comprises at least one compartment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a rear pack unit, wherein said rear pack unit comprises at least one compartment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a plurality of attaching strap members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising at least one removeably attached patch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising at least one removeably attached decorative patch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising at least one removeably attached front patch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising at least one removeably attached rear patch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising at least one removeably attached patch, wherein a wearer selected image may be placed within said patch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising at least one removeably attached decorative patch, wherein a wearer selected image may be placed within said patch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising at least one removeably attached front patch, wherein a wearer selected image may be placed within said patch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising at least one removeably attached rear patch, wherein a wearer selected image may be placed within said patch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a plurality of compartments for holding a variety of various contemporary electronic devices, such as PDAs, MP3 playing devices, Cell phones and others.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a plurality of compartments for holding soda cans.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by at least one zipper.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by Velcro.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by snap-on buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable water-resistant hidden hood for attachment by at least one zipper.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable water-resistant hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by Velcro.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable water-resistant hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable water-resistant hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by snap-on buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable water-resistant hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by at least one zipper.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by Velcro.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by snap-on buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a hidden hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by at least one zipper.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by Velcro.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by snap-on buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by at least one zipper.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by Velcro.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by snap-on buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a hood for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable sleeves for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by at least one zipper.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable sleeves for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by Velcro.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising a detachable sleeves for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device comprising detachable sleeves for a user's protection from the elements such as wind, rain and cold, wherein said hood is removeably attached by snap-on buttons.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that protects the user in a vehicular accident by absorbing the impact of the crash.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that evenly distributes the weight carried by matter within the backpack between the front and the back of the device, thereby reducing stress on a users back.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that evenly distributes the weight carried by matter within the backpack between the front and the back of the device, thereby reducing stress on a users back and aiding in reducing the risk of back related diseases such as scoliosis.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that allows the user to detach the front section of the device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that allows the user to detach the rear section of the device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that also optionally provides a wearer the means to carry a child securely in the device's front section.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function backpack-vest device that also optionally provides a wearer the means for self-expression by replacing an interchangeable Velcro patch.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims and Detailed Description of the Embodiments Sections, and drawings of this application, with all said sections also adding to this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 displays the top view of one embodiment of the device—the multi-function backpack-vest in its unfolded state.

FIG. 2 displays partially the top view of the device, and partially exposes the interior replaceable inserts.

FIG. 3 displays the top view of the shoulder support of the device.

FIG. 4 displays a side isometric view of the assembled multi-function backpack-vest, as oriented upon a user.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the instant invention as without the items support assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 engaged.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the instant invention wherein an infant may be carried in the front pack assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of the instant invention wherein an infant may be carried in the front pack assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front pack assembly 10 of the multi-function backpack-vest apparatus, a rear pack assembly 20 and a central pack assembly 30. In this disclosed embodiment of the invention said front pack assembly 10 is attached to said central pack assembly 30 and said rear pack assembly 20 is removeably attached to said central pack assembly 30 by a removeable attachment means 26, such as zippers, buttons, snap-on buttons, ties, clamps, hooks, Velcro or other such attachment means.

Further illustrated in FIG. 1 are a plurality of pack securing members 21 and a plurality of first ends of attachment means 23, wherein one member of said plurality of first ends of an attachment means 23 is attached to one end of one member of said plurality of pack securing members 21. Also, each member of said plurality of first ends of an attachment means 23 removeably attach to a member of a plurality of second ends of an attachment means 13, such as a clip, wherein said plurality of second ends of an attachment means are attached to said front pack assembly 10.

FIG. 1 also illustrates a centrally located cavity 35 in said central pack assembly 30, and a removeably attached image display means 15, wherein said removeably attached image display means 15 is a patch, picture, painting, logo or other combination of image types. The image display means 15 includes methods of attachment such as magnets, buttons, snap-on buttons, Velcro, zippers, pouches and chambers, wherein images may be inserted and removed and other means by which images may be added and removed.

FIG. 2 displays an embodiment of the instant invention as illustrated in FIG. 1, with the additional features of at least one generally located front chamber 12 and at least one generally located rear chamber 22. Into said generally located front and rear chambers may be inserted an impact absorbing and dispersing member 12A, 22A, such as a bullet proof material, foam, foam-rubber or other type of padding or a substantially buoyant member 12B, 22B, such as foam and other air trapping members (such as one or more balloons).

FIG. 3 illustrates a more detailed view of the central pack assembly 30 and component parts as illustrated in this embodiment of the instant invention. In this embodiment an arm member attachment means 31 is attached on one side to said central pack assembly 30 to one shoulder support member 37 and is attached on a second side an arm covering member 32 (such as a sleeve). Further illustrated in FIG. 3 are a plurality of attachment support means 34, such as straps and one attachment means 33 per attachment support means 34 (common attachment means 33 include clips, ties, buttons, snap-on buttons, magnets, clamps, hooks, pins and other similar binding members and devices). Both attachment support means 34 and attachment means 33 on each side may be protected, cushioned and hidden by a textile and cushion member 36.

FIG. 4 displays the multi-function backpack-vest apparatus, as worn by the user, while revealing several features not previously illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. One feature of this disclosed embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a deployed item support assembly 19, wherein said item support assembly 19 supports various items in front of the user, thereby allowing the user to interact and/or work with said various items (such as working with a portable computer as illustrated herein). Comprising the items support assembly 19 is a substantially rigid and substantially extendable item support member 17, wherein said item support member 17 attachedly extends outward from the front pack assembly 10 when deployed, and attachedly rests within said front pack assembly 10 when not deployed. Also, said items support assembly 19 comprises a plurality of item support members (located internally) that attachedly extend out from said front pack assembly 10 at one end and are attached to said item support member 17 at a second end.

Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is a detachable user protection and heat retaining member 24 (including, but not limited to, common hoods), wherein said user protection and heat retaining member 24 extends out of a member concealment chamber 26 when in use and is substantially hidden when enclosed within said member concealment chamber 26. Both the user protection and heat retaining member 24 and member concealment chamber 26 are elements of the rear pack assembly 20 in this instant embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the instant invention as it is worn by a user without the items support assembly 19 engaged (illustrated in FIG. 4 as extending out of the front pack assembly 10).

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the instant invention, wherein the front pack assembly 10 further comprises an infant carrying assembly 40. The infant carrying assembly removeably attaches to said front pack assembly by an attachment means 41 (herein illustrated as zippers but also may separately or in combination comprise, buttons, snap-on buttons, hooks, ties, Velcro or other such attachment means).

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the instant invention where an infant may be carried within said infant carrying assembly 40 (as also illustrated in FIG. 6). In addition, the infant carrying assembly 40 comprises a plurality of infant extremity passage cavities and/or removeably attached image display means 15/45 that are generally located about a central infant holding chamber 48, through which the extremities of an infant may pass while the infant is being carried within the infant carrying assembly 40. 

1. A backpack-vest apparatus comprising: a front pack assembly; a rear pack assembly; and a central attachment assembly; and at least one shoulder support member, wherein at least one member of said at least one wearable support member is substantially securely attached to said front pack assembly and, wherein at least one member of said at least one wearable support member is substantially securely attached to the said rear pack assembly.
 2. The backpack-vest apparatus of claim 1, wherein said front pack assembly comprises: at least one containment chamber, wherein said at least one member of said at least one containment chamber is a removeably attached to said front pack assembly and, wherein at least one member of said at least one containment chamber is substantially securely attached to said front pack assembly; at least one backpack-vest fastening means attached to said front pack assembly; and, wherein said rear pack assembly comprises: at least one containment chamber, wherein at least one member of said at least one containment chamber is removeably attached to said rear pack assembly and, wherein at least one member of said at least one containment chamber is substantially securely attached to said rear pack assembly; at least one backpack-vest fastening means attached to said rear pack assembly.
 3. The backpack-vest apparatus of claim 1, wherein said front pack assembly further comprises an item support assembly, wherein said item support assembly comprises: at least one lower support member disposed at a substantially forty-five degree angle; at least one item resting member, wherein said item resting member is disposed at a substantially horizontal angle; at least one upper support member, wherein every member of said at least one upper support member is attached to said front pack assembly at one end and every member is attached to said item resting member at a second end.
 4. The backpack-vest apparatus of claim 1, wherein said front pack assembly further comprises an infant containing chamber, wherein said infant containing chamber is removeably attached to said front pack assembly.
 5. The backpack-vest apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rear pack assembly further comprises a removeably attached hood.
 6. The backpack-vest apparatus of claim 1, wherein said central attachment assembly further comprises at least one removeably attached sleeve.
 7. The backpack-vest apparatus of claim 1, wherein said front pack assembly further comprises at least one removeably attached pressure absorbing member and said rear pack assembly further comprises at least one removeably attached pressure softening member.
 8. A multi-function backpack-vest apparatus comprising: a front pack assembly; a rear pack assembly; a central attachment assembly; and at least one wearable support member, wherein every member of said at least one wearable support member is disposed for over the shoulder wearage and, wherein at least one member of said at least one wearable support member is substantially securely fastened to said front pack assembly at one end and, wherein said at least one member of said at least one wearable support member is substantially securely fastened to said front pack assembly at one end is removeably fastened to said front pack assembly at a second end and, wherein at least one member of said substantially securely fastened wearable member is substantially securely attached to said rear pack assembly at one end and, wherein said at least one member of said substantially securely fastened wearable member is removeably fastened to said front pack assembly at one end is removeably fastened to said front pack assembly at a second end.
 9. The multi-function backpack-vest apparatus of claim 8, wherein said front pack assembly comprises: at least one containment chamber, wherein said at least one member of said at least one containment chamber is a removeably attached to said front pack assembly and, wherein at least one member of said at least one containment chamber is substantially securely attached to said front pack assembly; at least one backpack-vest fastening means, wherein at least one member of said at least one backpack-vest fastening means is removeably attached to a second backpack-vest fastening means at one end and, wherein said at least one member of said at least one backpack-vest fastening means is substantially securely attached to said front pack assembly at a second end; and, wherein said rear pack assembly comprises: at least one containment chamber, wherein at least one member of said at least one containment chamber is removeably attached to said rear pack assembly and, wherein at least one member of said at least one containment chamber is substantially securely attached to said rear pack assembly; at least one backpack-vest fastening means, wherein at least one member of said at least one backpack-vest fastening means is removeably attached to a second backpack-vest fastening means at one end and, wherein said at least one member of said at least one backpack-vest fastening means is substantially securely attached to said rear pack assembly at a second end.
 10. The backpack-vest apparatus of claim 8, wherein said front pack assembly further comprises an item support assembly, wherein said item support assembly comprises: at least one lower support member disposed at a substantially forty-five degree angle; at least one item resting member, wherein said item resting member is disposed at a substantially horizontal angle; at least one upper support member, wherein every member of said at least one upper support member is attached to said front pack assembly at one end and is attached to said item resting member at a second end.
 11. The multi-function backpack-vest apparatus of claim 8, wherein said front pack assembly further comprises an infant containing chamber, wherein said infant containing chamber is removeably attached to said front pack assembly.
 12. The backpack-vest apparatus of claim 8, wherein said rear pack assembly further comprises a removeably attached hood and a sealable hood chamber, wherein said removeably attached hood is substantially foldable to fit within said sealable hood chamber.
 13. The multi-function backpack-vest apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least of member of said at least one shoulder support members further comprises at least one removeably attached sleeve.
 14. The multi-function backpack-vest apparatus of claim 8, wherein said front pack assembly further comprises at least one removeably attached pressure softening member and said rear pack assembly further comprises at least one removeably attached pressure softening member.
 15. The backpack-vest apparatus of claim 8, wherein said central attachment assembly further comprises at least one sleeve member, wherein said sleeve member further comprises a attaching-detaching means, wherein said attaching-detaching means is comprised of at least one member selected from the group of zippers, buttons, snap-on buttons, clips, clamps, Velcro, magnets, ties, hooks, and . . . .
 16. The backpack-vest apparatus of claim 8, wherein said front pack assembly further comprises at least one substantially centrally located chamber, wherein said substantially centrally located chamber contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of an impact absorbing and dispersing member, a component storage member and a substantially buoyant member and, wherein said rear pack assembly further comprises at least one substantially centrally located chamber, wherein said substantially centrally located chamber interchangeably contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of an impact absorbing and dispersing member, a compartment storage member and a substantially buoyant member.
 17. A method of transporting at least one member of a plurality of items, wherein said items are capable of being hand carried, wherein said method comprises the steps of: wearing a multi-function backpack-vest apparatus, wherein said vest comprises: a front pack assembly; a rear pack assembly; a central attachment assembly; at least one item containment chamber; and at least one wearable support member, wherein every member of said at least one wearable support member is designed for over the shoulder wearing and, wherein at least one member of said at least one wearable support member is substantially securely fastened to said front pack assembly at one end and, wherein said at least one member of said at least one wearable support member is substantially securely fastened to said front pack assembly at one end is removeably fastened to said front pack assembly at a second end and, wherein at least one member of said substantially securely fastened wearable member is substantially securely attached to said rear pack assembly at one end and, wherein said at least one member of said substantially securely fastened wearable member is removeably fastened to said front pack assembly at one end is removeably fastened to said front pack assembly at a second end; and placing said at least one member of a plurality of items into at least one member of said at least one item containment chamber.
 18. The method of transporting at least one member of a plurality of items, wherein said items are capable of being hand carried of claim 17, wherein said method further comprises the steps of substantially simultaneously transporting and using a portable computer, wherein said front pack assembly further comprises an item support assembly, wherein said item support assembly comprises: at least one lower support member disposed at a substantially forty-five degree angle; at least one item resting member, wherein said item resting member is disposed at a substantially horizontal angle; at least one upper support member, wherein every member of said at least one upper support member is attached to said front pack assembly at one end and is attached to said item resting member at a second end, and wherein said method further comprises the steps of: placing a portable computer into said item support assembly; and securing said item support assembly by a securing means, thereby carrying said portable computer inside said item support assembly, and wherein said method for substantially simultaneously carrying and using a portable computer comprises the steps of: deploying said item support assembly; and beginning to use said portable computer.
 19. The method of transporting at least one member of a plurality of items, wherein said items are capable of being hand carried, of claim 18, wherein said front pack assembly further comprises at least one substantially centrally located front chamber and, wherein said rear pack assembly further comprises at least one substantially centrally located rear chamber and, wherein said method of transporting at least one member of a plurality of items further comprises a method for transporting an impact absorbing and dispersing member, wherein said method for transporting an impact absorbing and dispersing member comprises the steps of: placing at least one impact absorbing member within said substantially centrally located front chamber; securing said at least one impact absorbing member within said substantially centrally located front chamber by a securing means; placing at least one impact absorbing member within said substantially centrally located rear chamber; and securing said at least one impact absorbing member within said substantially centrally located rear chamber by a securing means.
 20. The method of transporting at least one member of a plurality of items, wherein said items are capable of being hand carried, of claim 18, wherein said front pack assembly further comprises at least one substantially centrally located front chamber and, wherein said rear pack assembly further comprises at least one substantially centrally located rear chamber and, wherein said method of transporting at least one member of a plurality of items further comprises a method for transporting a substantially buoyant member, wherein said method for transporting a substantially buoyant member comprises the steps of: placing at least one a substantially buoyant member within said substantially centrally located front chamber; securing said at least one a substantially buoyant member within said substantially centrally located front chamber by a securing means; placing at least one a substantially buoyant member within said substantially centrally located rear chamber; and securing said at least one a substantially buoyant member within said substantially centrally located rear chamber by a securing means. 